Meet Catriona Fray: Coach & Founder of Catriona Fray Studios for the Performing Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Catriona Fray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catriona, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business during the pandemic as an offering to artists who are committed to remaining connected and engaged in the performing arts. During a period of uncertainty, staying disciplined and passionate is so essential for all artists! Catriona Fray Studios for the Performing Artist is a holistic training ground for creativity with the intention of helping artists discover their light within and tap into their unlimited power as an artist. It’s been my pleasure to coach with professional performers virtually while on tour and adult beginners! I aspire for each of my students, whether they are guitarists, pianists, vocalists, yogis, dancers, songwriters, actors, beginners and professionals, to connect to their mind, body, and soul as they study and train in their craft. I want to leave my students after each lesson inspired to share their artistic gifts with the world and honor each and every stage of the process.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m super proud of being committed to my mission statement – Connecting the Mind, Body, and Soul to the Arts. With that, my students are then free, open, centered, and aligned to create freely and uniquely. As a coach, I want to deliver above and beyond what my students are expecting. Because of that, I’m dedicated to giving all of my students their own Google Drive with downloadable recordings of each lesson, sheet music, study materials, journaling prompts to track their progress, and the ability to send me practice video or audio recordings throughout the week with feedback. I love how studying with me as your piano, guitar, vocal, acting, dancing, and or yoga instructor is ultimately about entering a lifelong one-on-one coaching/mentorship that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit and thus generates sustainability throughout their artistic endeavors. I’m also thrilled to start the in person offering at my home studio very soon where each student can record any original song they write and perform in a professional private recording studio with my producer, Danny Pravder (http://www.dannypravder.com). There will also be yoga classes in the garden as well as Musical Theater Camp offerings. Stay tuned! My brand is about the gift of giving and creating and the namaste – “the light in me honoring the light in you.” As a professional singer/songwriter, actress, musician, and yogi myself, I’m constantly in flow and learning with my students and I firmly believe in the oneness; we lift each other up!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
See as much nature as possible and immerse yourself in good food, music, and people! I’ve been fortunate enough to live on the West side and the Valley, so there are an abundance of places to recommend, but here are a few favorites: 1. Pack a lunch and eat on Janss Steps at UCLA near the majestic Royce Hall. Not too far away from Royce is the Sculpture Garden near the School of Theater, Film, and Television. Best during the spring time to sit under the blossoming trees! 2. Take a walk down Abbott Kinney on your way to Venice Beach! 3. Enjoy an evening at the Hollywood Bowl for a summer night concert – I’ve been fortunate enough to perform on the stage TWICE! One of my favorite spots of all time. 4. Head over to the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood for good music and drinks! 5. Another fun music night spot is Tramp Stamp Granny’s for some open mic nights/sing-a-longs and incredibly vivacious drag queens, not to far of a walk from Hotel Cafe. 6. Head over to the sunset strip to check out the famous Viper Room (another spot I’ve performed at!), Whiskey A Go Go, and Mel’s Diner for a late night snack! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my success to my family, especially dad, mom, and sister, Madi, for being so supportive, elevating me in emotionally, mentally, and spiritually when I’ve needed it most, and for being so inspiring by setting an example of discipline, focus, and constant gratitude even when facing challenges. We truly come together and lift each other up! I am blessed with so many people in my close circle of divine artists, friends, and family who matter to me more than words can express. I also am so thankful for my students who radiate so much light and love and teach me the importance of gratitude, patience, and trust throughout the process.

Website: www.catrionafray.com

Instagram: @catrionafray

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catriona-fray-62875816b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catrionafray